Anyone can experience a concussion, though athletes and active individuals are considered at higher risk due to their lifestyles. A blow to the head is concerning, even if it seems insignificant at the time. The brain is a sensitive organ — even the slightest impact can have adverse consequences.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms that you may be dealing with a concussion is essential, as is seeking immediate medical assistance. We’ll discuss what a concussion is, why it’s considered a traumatic brain injury, how it’s diagnosed and how long concussion symptoms last.
A concussion is a moderate brain injury that temporarily disrupts the brain’s usual functioning. It is mainly caused by the brain touching the skull as a result of an individual being hit or struck on the head. Concussions can occur when an individual:
Upon impact, the brain is jolted in every direction, with the sudden movement damaging brain cells on a microscopic level. The shift often leads to a chemical imbalance, affecting the individual in numerous ways. They may or may not lose consciousness immediately after the initial impact. They will also experience physical, behavioral, sensory and mental symptoms, many of which can be identified by those around them.
The duration of a concussion varies from one person to the next and depends on whether it’s mild, moderate or severe. It usually resolves within two days after the impact but can last two weeks or more.
Concussions are considered traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and range from mild to severe, depending on the blow’s force. Approximately 190 Americans died from TBI-related complications daily in 2021, revealing the serious nature of sustaining a brain injury — symptoms present differently and may have longer-lasting effects than anticipated.
Traumatic brain injuries are one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States, with certain predisposed groups at higher risk based on various factors. Adults 65 and older, for example, are at a higher risk of falling and, therefore, perhaps more likely to experience a TBI. Falls caused over 36,000 deaths for this age group in 2020, making them the leading cause of death for individuals 65 and over.
Repeated blows to the head in contact sports also increase the chances of permanent brain damage or death. Athletes in sports like football and auto racing should take precautions by wearing protective headgear and ensuring enough recovery time between injuries. If one sustains multiple injuries, it is strongly recommended that they consider discontinuing their participation in these sports to avoid further risk.
After an incident, seek help from anyone nearby as a first resort. Inspect your head and neck for obvious signs of fractures or bleeding, and if symptoms are severe, contact the nearest doctor or a physician for a medical diagnosis. If you suspect a neck injury, do not move until medical help has arrived. Neck injuries are common with brain injuries and must be treated with extreme caution.
A doctor might do a CT scan to determine the extent of damage and whether brain bleeding or swelling has occurred. In most cases, a physical examination is sufficient for a diagnosis.
Rest is advised as the main treatment — this includes both physical and mental rest. For example, patients should avoid activities that mentally strain the brain, such as playing video games, watching TV and using a cell phone. Since headaches are common with concussions, your doctor will advise you on safe medications. In general, you’ll want to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.
Concussion symptoms aren’t just physical. There are also cognitive, behavioral, sensory and emotional symptoms associated with concussions. Some symptoms show immediately, while others develop over time, so your doctor will monitor you closely.
Physical symptoms are most common and often include:
Since the brain is directly impacted, the following cognitive symptoms may appear:
Behavioral changes may accompany concussions. These can be slight or extreme, depending on the severity, and may include:
Concussions impact the way an individual perceives and interacts with the surrounding world. You may be sensitive to or have a heightened sense of smell, touch, hearing or sight. Other sensory symptoms include:
The following symptoms influence emotional state:
Delayed symptoms occur after the injury, sometimes hours or days later. Symptoms may also set in immediately and gradually worsen, like headaches, confusion, disorientation, nausea and seizures. If this happens, seek a doctor immediately, as it may indicate a serious concussion. Ignoring delayed symptoms can have dire consequences.
Observation is key after any brain injury. The first two days are crucial in monitoring and acting on symptoms.
Typically, concussion symptoms last from a few hours to a couple of days, or sometimes up to two weeks. However, in some cases, symptoms can persist for several months. In these situations, the initial injury may have been overlooked because it happened earlier than it was detected. Persistent symptoms commonly include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
A doctor or physician might diagnose this as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). They may conduct tests beyond routine observations and physical examinations like cognitive assessments and neuroimaging.
Older adults, those with a history of previous TBIs and individuals with specific psychological conditions are considered more susceptible to PCS. These individuals should receive extra care and attention after a head injury. The best protection against further brain trauma is to avoid activities that put them at risk of recurring head injuries.
Accidents cannot always be prevented. Taking precautions against injuries helps reduce the chances of suffering severe damage. Some tips to prevent concussions are listed below:
Whether mild or moderate, a concussion should be taken seriously. We often don’t know the extent of a brain injury until the symptoms cause bigger problems, so it’s best to consult an expert physician as soon as possible. Our team treats various conditions with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, and our comprehensive imaging services provide detailed diagnostics for a swift treatment plan.
If you or someone you know requires medical attention due to a head injury, call us at 888-444-NYSI or complete a new patient appointment form, and we’ll call you back for confirmation.
